We just reported that Microsoft is making all Skype calls to landlines and mobiles in and out of Nepal free of charge, with immediate effect. In addition to that, they are providing a minimum of $1 million in donations of cash, technology and services to the rescue and recovery effort in Nepal.
- This includes an immediate monetary donation to NetHope – a consortium of 40+ international non-governmental organizations that specializes in improving IT connectivity among humanitarian organizations in developing countries and areas affected by disaster – to support the nonprofit’s deployment and response operations.
- As well, we have activated our internal Microsoft employee Giving web site to encourage and match donations from Microsoft employees to first-responder organizations in the region, including American Red Cross, Direct Relief, International Medical Corps, Mercy Corps and World Vision.
- Finally, we are in the midst of direct conversations with government officials, nonprofits and businesses in the region to determine the best deployment of our technology in this time of need and hour by hour, we will continue to assess how our technology and people can help with the rescue and relief efforts in Nepal.